College Timeline

1945

Roscommon Estate purchased by Fr John Garvey on behalf of the Diocese of Townsville.

Fr David O’Meara appointed Parish Priest and continues task of establishing school on the grounds of the estate.

1949

Santa Maria College opened in Convent school complex.

Sisters educated to girls to Junior standard, teaching – English, French, Latin, German, Arithmetic, Geometry, Geography, History, Shorthand, Book-keeping, Business Methods, Painting and Dressmaking.

Mother Dympna – ‘foundress’.

1949

February – Cardinal Gilroy College opens with 93 pupils in Grades 3 to Junior Standard. 

First Christian Brothers Community – Br Ephren Cryan (Superior), Br Hugh Wittig (Sub-superior) and Br Loyola Baillie

Br Cryan - first Principal.

Name – Cardinal Gilroy College in honour of Australia’s first Cardinal

The chapel was dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima as principal patron, with Blessed Martin de Porres as secondary patron.

Chapel was first diocesan building to be dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima.

The altar, with picture of Our Lady of the Moon on the front, the Stations of the Cross and picture of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour were built and donated by the Messina family. The artwork was done in ‘poker work’ by an Estonian migrant, Herman Ilves.

The tabernacle was donated by the Lee family.

Statues of Our Lady of Fatima and of Blessed Martin de Porres were sent out from Ireland.

1965

Gilroy first graduation night with Santa Maria students.

1968

March 31 (Sunday) official blessing and opening of new building and science block by Bishop Leonard Faulkner, Bishop of Townsville – 600 people attended. 

1972

Girls from Lourdes Convent came over to Gilroy. 

School named Santa Maria    .  

Principal Sister Anita.

1981

Cardwell students brought to Gilroy by college acquired bus.

1984

First year of combined college.

1986

First Year 11 class commences at Gilroy Santa Maria College.

Year 11 and 12 extension official opening and Blessing 19th April.

1987

First Year 12 cohort graduates.

1986

First intake of year 11 students – 75 enrolled

1989

40th Anniversary of the College.

1991

Introduction of Open Day for Year 7 students.

1992

Introduction of the Student Representative Council.